Get Support from Others for Your Breast Cancer Fight

More than 8,000 women get diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year in Michigan. And while Breast Cancer Awareness Month does a great job of raising money for research and celebrating survivors, sometimes those actively fighting the disease can slip under the radar. So before the calendar turns to November, we wanted to take a look at the organizations and support groups in Michigan that exist for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. As part of various hospitals and organizations across the state, these community and support groups work to ensure treatment of the entire person, not just the cancer.

St. John Providence Health System support groups, Detroit: No matter where you’re receiving treatment, this is a great place to find a support group that fits your needs. There are many to choose from: general ones, groups for women with stage III or IV breast cancer and groups for young women diagnosed with the disease. There are also some groups that focus on treatment options while others are more of a peer-support system.

Sparrow Hospital’s Breast Cancer Support Group, Lansing: The second Monday of every month, this support group brings together women to share experiences related to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. It also provides educational programs to women going through treatment.

St. Joseph Mercy, Ann Arbor: There are many support groups and services offered through St. Joe’s, including a support group for breast cancer patients where you can learn from others going through the same experience you are. There are also free massages, wig consultations and nutrition services for cancer patients.

Susan G. Komen affiliates: There are local branches of this national organization in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and East Lansing. Reach out to learn more about specific offerings close to you and to get answers to questions about insurance, finances and more.

Breastcancer.org: If you can’t make it to an in-person support group meeting, breastcancer.org offers a range of online resources including discussion boards, blogs, chat rooms, podcasts and more.

National organizations such as the American Cancer Society offer programs and services to provide women with the emotional support they need and to help women manage their treatment and recovery.

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A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

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